Denmark’s district heating association is calling for a phase-out of gas heating in Denmark’s homes, proposing a clear political mandate to shut down the gas grid in areas switching to green heating solutions.
Push to End Gas Heating in Denmark
Since 2022, there has been significant progress in transitioning from household gas heating in Denmark to greener district heating systems. To solidify and accelerate this shift, Danish District Heating (Dansk Fjernvarme), the country’s main industry organization for district heating companies, is urging the government to introduce legislation that sets a firm end date for gas supply in areas slated for district heating upgrades. It could speed up the green transition.
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The organization’s new policy proposal outlines how a controlled closure of the gas grid could boost Denmark’s efforts to decarbonize home heating and reduce dependence on imported natural gas. Danmark’s heating sector currently supplies about 69% of homes with district heating – of which 78% is already powered by renewable sources. It shows how much has already changed.
Firm Phase-Out Needed to Maintain Momentum
The transition from natural gas to district heating gained considerable traction following the start of the gas conversion initiative in 2022. Many homeowners across the country have expressed strong interest in switching to cleaner heating alternatives. However, Dansk Fjernvarme warns that this momentum may falter without new policy signals.
The association argues that they will not fully eliminate natural gas heating in Denmark from residential heating by its 2035 goal without additional political actions. Currently, around 270,000 homes still use natural gas heating in Denmark. Notably, 202,000 of those are in areas already earmarked for district heating or have active plans in place to transition.
New Legislative Tools and Municipal Involvement
One of the key recommendations in Dansk Fjernvarme’s plan is to empower local governments to announce definitive end dates for natural gas deliveries in specific regions. By doing so, homeowners would be encouraged to choose between a new district heating link or switch to heat pump systems.
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The proposal emphasizes the importance of sending an official message, such as a “clear notice” letter, to affected households, clearly stating that continued access to gas will end after a certain date. This strategy, coordinated at the municipal level and implemented through the state-owned gas network operator Evida, is intended to reduce uncertainty and spark action among homeowners.
Policy Lessons from Europe
Denmark’s heating authorities believe that the country must follow the lead of other European nations in taking decisive steps. Germany and the Netherlands have already removed the legal obligation for gas companies to continue supplying gas to households in areas targeted for conversion. Danish policymakers are being encouraged to adopt a similar stance.
According to the latest projections from the Danish Energy and Climate Ministry, progress on phasing out gas has slowed. The government now estimates that 214,000 households will still rely on gas heating by 2030 if no additional measures are introduced.
Securing Funding and Renewing Climate Commitments
In addition to regulatory steps, Dansk Fjernvarme is calling for financial mechanisms to support the transition. Specifically, it recommends extending and increasing the existing state subsidy scheme, known as the “district heating pool”, which supports the cost of switching from gas. The organization believes that funding through this program could enable the removal of 10,000 gas units annually.
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As part of its broader package of proposals, Dansk Fjernvarme also advocates for a reaffirmation of the 2022 Climate Agreement, arguing that doing so would send a strong political signal and stabilize long-term decarbonization plans.
District Heating Sector Leading the Way
The district heating sector in Denmark is already a major player in the green energy landscape. With a target of becoming carbon neutral by 2030, the industry has rapidly shifted its energy sources. Today, more than three-quarters of the heat produced in the country’s district heating systems comes from renewable energy.
As the country progresses toward its climate goals, Dansk Fjernvarme emphasizes that coordinated decisions at both national and municipal levels are critical to ensure an orderly, timely, and fair phase-out of gas heating in Denmark.
